Settling in Australia from Vietnam: Your Practical Guide

Your First Week

### Airport to Accommodation

Airport pickup: Many Vietnamese student communities organise airport pickups for new arrivals. Check your university's Vietnamese student association or Facebook groups ("Vietnamese Students in Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane") before you fly. Alternatively, Uber/Didi from the airport costs AUD 30-70 depending on the city and distance.

First night: If you haven't arranged accommodation yet, budget hostels near your university (AUD 30-50/night) or a cheap Airbnb (AUD 60-120/night) work for the first few nights.

### Essential Admin (Days 1-3)

SIM card: Buy a prepaid SIM at the airport or a convenience store. Optus and Vodafone have competitive prepaid plans (AUD 15-30/month). Telstra is more expensive but has better coverage if you're in regional areas.

Bank account: Open an Australian bank account immediately. CommBank, Westpac, ANB, and NAB all offer student accounts with no monthly fees. Bring your passport and CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment). You'll get a debit card same-day at most branches.

TFN (Tax File Number): Apply online at the ATO website. You need this to work legally. It arrives by post in 10-15 business days. Without a TFN, your employer deducts tax at 45%.

University orientation: Attend orientation week. This is where you learn about campus services, meet other students, and sign up for activities. Most universities have Vietnamese student associations that organise welcome events.

Finding Accommodation

### Student Accommodation (Easiest but Most Expensive)

University-managed or purpose-built student accommodation costs AUD 300-500 per week for a private room. This includes utilities and internet. It's the easiest option — no rental application, no bond negotiation, and you're close to campus. But it's expensive compared to share housing.

### Share Houses (Most Common)

Most Vietnamese students live in share houses with 2-5 housemates. Cost: AUD 180-350 per week for a room, depending on the city and suburb.

Where to find share houses:
- Flatmates.com.au — the main platform
- Facebook groups: "Vietnamese Students Sydney Accommodation," "Vietnamese Share House Melbourne," etc.
- University noticeboards (physical and online)
- Word of mouth through the Vietnamese student community

What to look for: Distance to university (transport costs add up), included utilities, internet quality, house rules, and housemate compatibility.

Near Vietnamese communities: Living near Cabramatta (Sydney), Footscray (Melbourne), or Inala (Brisbane) gives you easy access to Vietnamese food and community but may mean a longer commute to university. Many students balance proximity to university with weekend trips to Vietnamese precincts.

### Private Rentals

Applying for a private rental as an international student is harder — you lack Australian rental history and may not have a high income to show. If you pursue this:
- Apply with a friend or partner to split costs
- Offer more rent in advance (4-6 weeks)
- Provide your university acceptance letter and financial evidence
- Have your education agent or university provide a support letter

Working in Australia

### Finding Part-Time Work

Vietnamese businesses: Restaurants, bakeries (bánh mì shops), grocery stores, and community businesses in Vietnamese precincts often hire Vietnamese-speaking staff. These can be good first jobs, but ensure you're paid at least the Australian minimum wage (AUD 24.10/hour as of 2024-25).

Hospitality broadly: Cafes, restaurants, and fast-food outlets hire part-time workers regularly. An RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certificate (AUD 30-50, online) is needed for serving alcohol. An RCG (Responsible Conduct of Gambling) may be needed in some states.

Retail: Supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths), department stores (Kmart, Target), and specialty stores hire casually.

Gig economy: UberEats, DoorDash, and Menulog delivery driving/cycling is flexible but pay can be low after expenses.

Tutoring: If you're strong in maths, science, or Vietnamese language, tutoring is well-paid (AUD 30-60/hour).

### Know Your Rights

Australian workplace law protects all workers, including international students on visas:

- Minimum wage: AUD 24.10/hour (casual workers get a 25% loading on top: AUD 30.13/hour)
- Maximum hours: 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session
- Superannuation: Your employer must pay 11.5% super on top of your wages if you earn over AUD 450/month
- No cash-in-hand: If an employer offers to pay you cash at below minimum wage, this is illegal. Report it to the Fair Work Ombudsman (fairwork.gov.au)
- Payslips: Your employer must provide a payslip within 1 business day of pay day

Unfortunately, wage theft and exploitation of international students does occur, particularly in cash-heavy industries. If you suspect you're being underpaid, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman — they can investigate anonymously and your visa status is protected.

Managing Money

### Budgeting

A realistic weekly budget for a Vietnamese student in Sydney:

Melbourne is slightly cheaper. Brisbane and Perth are 10-15% cheaper than Melbourne.

### Cooking Vietnamese Food in Australia

Cooking at home is dramatically cheaper than eating out and helps with homesickness. Vietnamese ingredients are widely available:

Where to shop:
- Cabramatta (Sydney): Full range of Vietnamese produce, herbs, and sauces
- Footscray Market (Melbourne): Fresh herbs, rice, noodles, and specialty items
- Asian grocers in most suburban areas: Basics available everywhere
- Online: Services like VinaGrocer deliver Vietnamese groceries in metro areas

Costs: A home-cooked phở costs AUD 5-8 per serve. The same bowl at a restaurant costs AUD 15-20. Cooking Vietnamese food at home can save AUD 50-100 per week.

### Sending Money Home

Many Vietnamese students and workers send money back to family in Vietnam:

Best options:
- Wise: Low fees, transparent exchange rate, AUD to VND transfers in 1-2 business days
- Remitly: Good for smaller, regular transfers. Competitive VND rates
- Vietnamese community transfer services: Available in Cabramatta, Footscray, and other Vietnamese precincts. Rates vary — compare before using
- Bank transfer: Higher fees and worse exchange rates. Avoid unless necessary

Tip: Compare rates before each transfer. The AUD/VND exchange rate fluctuates, and different services have different margins.

Healthcare

### OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)

If you're on a student visa, OSHC is mandatory. It covers:
- GP visits
- Hospital treatment (as a private patient)
- Some prescription medications
- Ambulance services

Popular providers: Medibank, Allianz Care, Bupa, and nib. Compare coverage and price before choosing — your university may have a preferred provider.

Using OSHC: Register with your provider and get a member card. When visiting a GP, show your OSHC card. Some GPs direct-bill your insurer; others require you to pay upfront and claim reimbursement.

Finding a Vietnamese-speaking doctor: In suburbs like Cabramatta, Footscray, and Springvale, you can find GPs who speak Vietnamese. This is particularly helpful for complex medical discussions. Search on Healthdirect or ask in community Facebook groups.

### Mental Health

Moving to a new country is stressful. Homesickness, academic pressure, financial stress, and cultural adjustment can affect your wellbeing. Every Australian university has free counselling services for students — use them without hesitation. Some OSHC plans also cover psychology sessions.

Building Your Social Network

### Vietnamese Community

Vietnamese student associations: Every major university has one. They organise social events, study groups, Tết celebrations, and cultural activities. Join in your first week.

Community organisations: The Vietnamese Community in Australia (VCA) operates in most states. They offer settlement support, language services, and social programs.

Temples and churches: Vietnamese Buddhist temples and Catholic churches are community hubs in suburbs with Vietnamese populations. Even if you're not religious, cultural events at these venues are a good way to connect.

Social media: Facebook groups for Vietnamese students and communities in each city are active and useful for practical advice, social events, and networking.

### Beyond the Vietnamese Community

Building friendships with Australians and other international students enriches your experience and improves your English:

- Join university clubs and sports teams
- Attend university social events and orientation activities
- Volunteer (it's a great way to meet people and improve English)
- Accept social invitations from classmates and colleagues
- Join local sports clubs, gym classes, or hobby groups

Daily Life Tips

### Transport

Public transport: All major cities have good networks. Get a transport card (Opal in Sydney, Myki in Melbourne, Go Card in Brisbane, SmartRider in Perth) and load it with credit. Student concession rates are available in most states — check with your institution.

Cycling: Popular in Melbourne and Brisbane. Cheaper than public transport and good exercise. Helmets are legally required everywhere in Australia.

Driving: If you have a Vietnamese driver's licence, you can drive in some states with an International Driving Permit (IDP) or certified English translation. Rules vary by state.

### Weather Adjustment

If you're from southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City and surrounds), most Australian cities will feel similar in summer. But winter — especially in Melbourne and Canberra — can be genuinely cold (5-15°C). Invest in a good jacket, warm layers, and closed shoes before winter arrives.

If you're from northern Vietnam (Hanoi), you're more accustomed to cold weather, but Australian houses are often poorly insulated — you may feel colder indoors than you expect.

### Safety

Australia is generally very safe. Violent crime is rare. But practical safety tips apply:
- Be aware of your surroundings at night, especially near entertainment districts
- Lock your bike and belongings
- Beware of scams targeting international students (fake ATO calls, rental scams, employment scams)
- If in doubt, contact your university's international student services

Planning for the Long Term

### Academic Performance

Your academic results affect your migration pathway. A strong GPA makes you a better candidate for employer sponsorship and can help with skills assessment outcomes. Prioritise your studies — it's why you're here and it's the foundation of your long-term plan.

### English Improvement

Continuous English improvement is essential. Even if your IELTS was 6.5 for admission, aim for 7.0-8.0+ for maximum skilled visa points (20 points). Take advantage of:
- University English support services (free)
- Conversation clubs
- English-speaking friendships
- Australian media (TV, podcasts, news)
- Practice tests through PTE or IELTS preparation apps

### 485 Planning

Start thinking about your 485 application in the final semester of your course. Know the deadline (6 months from completion). Gather the required documents early. Have your OSHC or health insurance arranged for the 485 period.

Next Steps

Get your admin sorted in the first week — bank, TFN, SIM, and university orientation. Read our first week checklist for a step-by-step guide.

For visa pathway planning, review the visa options guide and the student to 485 pathway guide.

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Related Resources

- Vietnam to Australia: Complete 2026 Guide
- Vietnam to Australia Visa Options
- Student Visa to 485 Graduate Pathway
- Best OSHC for International Students
- First Week in Australia Checklist
- Open a Bank Account in Australia
- Get Your TFN
- Find Your First Job in Australia
- Australian Rental Application Guide

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How much does it cost to live in Australia as a Vietnamese student?

Budget AUD 400-600 per week for a single student in Sydney or Melbourne (including rent, food, transport). Living in a share house and cooking at home reduces costs significantly. Rent is the largest expense — AUD 200-350 per week for a room in a share house.

Where can I buy Vietnamese groceries in Australia?

Major Vietnamese supermarkets include Saigon Market and Kim Thanh in Cabramatta (Sydney), Footscray Market in Melbourne, and Asian grocers in most suburban shopping strips. You can find most Vietnamese ingredients — herbs, sauces, rice noodles, and produce — without difficulty.

Can I send money back to Vietnam from Australia?

Yes. Use specialist transfer services like Wise, Remitly, or OrbitRemit for the best exchange rates. Bank transfers are more expensive due to poor exchange rate margins. Many Vietnamese-Australian money transfer shops also operate in areas like Cabramatta and Footscray.

How do I find part-time work as a Vietnamese student?

Common entry points are hospitality (Vietnamese restaurants, cafes, takeaways), cleaning, retail, and warehouse work. Check Seek, Indeed, and Gumtree for listings. Vietnamese community networks and Facebook groups also advertise jobs. Make sure any employer pays at least minimum wage — underpayment is unfortunately common and is illegal.